The Impact of Information and Communication Technology on Principals’ Administrative Competence in Public Secondary Schools in Ekermor Local Government Area of Bayelsa State

Abstract

This study examines the impact of information and communication technology on principals’ administrative competence in Ekeremor L.G.A. of Bayelsa State. The study was guided by three research questions. The Study adopted a descriptive survey design. The target population of the study was the twenty one (21) principals of the twenty one (21) public secondary schools in Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. All twenty one (21) principals formed the sample size due to the small size of the population. A questionnaire titled: The Impact of Information and Communication Technology on Principals Administrative Competence in Public Secondary Schools in Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa State (TIICTPACPSSELGABS) developed by the researcher was used for the collection of data. The instrument was formatted on a four point scale of Strongly Agree, Agree, Disagree and Strongly Disagree. Two expert in measurement and evaluation in the Faculty of Education in the Niger Delta University validated the instrument. The reliability of the instrument was established using test re-test method and the two sets of scores were correlated using Pearson’s Product Movement Correlation (PPMC) Technique to obtain a reliability of 0.78 which therefore means that the instrument was reliable. The questionnaire were administered by the researcher and one research assistant. Mean and Standard Deviation were the statistical tools used for the data analysis. The findings from the study revealed that information and communication strategies like digital record keeping and data management, digital communication and collaboration as well as digital instructional supervision and planning will greatly enhance principals’ administrative competence in public secondary schools in Ekeremor L.G.A of Bayelsa State. Based on the findings, it was concluded that adequate provisions and application of information and communication strategies will definitely boost principals’ administrative competence as such the study therefore, recommended that among others that principals in Ekeremor L.G.A should adopt digital record keeping and data management, digital communication and collaboration as well as digital instructional supervision and planning as strategies to enhance their administrative competence.